Nagaoka MP-110: set-up and break-in, etc.

[denti alligator]

So I got a new Nagaoka MP-110.

So far I don't like the sound at all. But I'm not sure I have the anti-skate set right, which is always a headache. I'm getting more sibilance than I'd like.

I know there's supposed to be a break-in period of 30 hours. Will I really hear a difference after that period?

Also, the manual states the stylus should be replaced after 150-200 hours. That means the break-in period is as high as 1/5 of the life of the stylus. Crazy. True?

[Cyreg]

What is it that you don't like about the sound now?
So which cartridge did you use before > 2M red?

Did you shim the armheight + 4mm?

I play a MP110 since a few weeks on a Michell TT with Mi250arm.
Big difference in sound with different armheights and how strongly the Rega based arm is fastened to the armboard/TT

[denti alligator]

Not enough detail. Not open or 'alive' sounding.

The arm is shimmed 2mm.

[ipapb]

I know there's supposed to be a break-in period of 30 hours. Will I really hear a difference after that period?

Yes.

Also, the manual states the stylus should be replaced after 150-200 hours. That means the break-in period is as high as 1/5 of the life of the stylus. Crazy. True?

A 150/200 H stylus is at his best. If you're careful you can go up to 500 H. (Otherwise you have to change product !).
Hi

[denti alligator]

Yeah, I figured that was odd.

What gets broken in, anyway, the body or the stylus? That is, if I get a replacement stylus down the road, would I need to break in the cartridge again?

I'll wait till 30 hours before deciding whether to keep the Nagaoka. I have an Ortofon 2M, which I like, too, but the Nag is certainly kinder on surface noise.

[ipapb]

What gets broken in, anyway, the body or the stylus? That is, if I get a replacement stylus down the road, would I need to break in the cartridge again?

Yes. The stylus must be broken, not the body cartridge.

[denti alligator]

And how does that happen, exactly (the stylus getting broken in)? Wear?

[AK]

Well, "exactly" - it may be too complicated to give a straight answer, but there are mechanical parts involved which probably change a bit with use, have to settle, adapt to one another, motion in the groove effects additional polishing to the tip, etc...

[GTH]

Also, the manual states the stylus should be replaced after 150-200 hours. True?

Are you reading that correctly? A quality stylus should last from 1500-2000 hours, assuming clean records and a properly set up and cared for equipment.

[HibouProfane]

That cart is very sensitive to proper alignment. I didn't like it at all when I first installed it, but after a few adjustments there was a huge improvement. Don't give up on it, it's really worth the effort.

[denti alligator]

Any tips on set-up/alignment?

[bacobits]

Use a KWillis Rega Protractor For your RB300, especially if your going to keep your P3-24
What usually breaks in is the suspension not so much as the stylus.

[banerjba]

I use two 2 mm shims on my Rega for the Nagaoka Mp11. It sounds great. No sibilance. I also use a 110 on my Project Debut iii. No issues.

One odd thing though on a couple other Nags is aI get a loud static popping sound randomly. It does not happen with any other brand of carts. Had it happen on my 1200 and Project Xperience. Weird.

[theinkd]

I use two 2 mm shims on my Rega for the Nagaoka Mp11. It sounds great. No sibilance. I also use a 110 on my Project Debut iii. No issues.

One odd thing though on a couple other Nags is aI get a loud static popping sound randomly. It does not happen with any other brand of carts. Had it happen on my 1200 and Project Xperience. Weird.

i get that loud static popping with the 110 and a pro-ject too, its been driving me nuts. doesn't happen very often any more. any idea what could be causing it?

but what is meant by shimming the tone arm? should i do this with my Debut III?